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Monthly Archives: April 2006

The Following is from Scott Ginsberg. Scott is a professional speaker and the author of HELLO my name is Scott and The Power of Approachability. Scott works with people who want to MAXIMIZE their personal and professional approachability – one conversation at a time. To book Scott for your next association meeting, conference or corporate event, contact Front Porch Productions at 314/878-5419 or http://www.hellomynameisscott.com.I subscribe to his free newsletter and this was in the latest:

44 Ways to DOUBLE Your Approachability by Next Friday

1. Never leave your office, house (or anywhere for that matter) without at least 8 business cards in your pocket. Because just when you think, “Yeah, but I won’t need them when I go to the baseball game,” you’ll wind up sitting right next to a potential customer and saying, “Damn it! I wish I had one of my business cards with me!”

2. When someone asks you, “So, what do you do?” offer an UNFORGETTABLE answer in less than five seconds that makes them say, “Really…?” “Cool!” or “Oh yeah, that sounds interesting.” Remember, even the most boring job in the world can sound magnetic, cool and unique.

3. If you read at least one book every year on remembering people’s names AND stop telling people that you suck at remembering names, you will become amazing at remembering people’s names.

4. If you refuse to wear a nametag because YOU feel uncomfortable, just think how uncomfortable OTHER people will feel when they forget your name.

5. If the only reason you’re crossing your arms is because you’re cold, that’s exactly what your staff will think you are: cold. And if the only reason you’re crossing your arms is because it’s comfortable for YOU; that means it’s probably uncomfortable for one of them.

7. Don’t try to be different. In fact, don’t “try” to be anything. Just be. Be yourself. Be the world’s expert on yourself, and be that person every day. Nothing is more approachable than authenticity.

8. The more imitable you are, the less valuable you are.

9. Smile for ten seconds every time you walk into a room.

10. Consistency is far better than rare moments of greatness. So be friendly to everyone, especially people who appear unimportant. Because you never know when you’re being evaluated by someone who IS important.

11. Don’t be afraid to interrupt someone by saying, “Wait, I don’t know what that means.” It shows you’re listening and shows you’re human.

12. Walk slower. Make it easy for people to get your attention.

13. Share you knowledge from your successes AND failures. And remember that people remember stories, not facts; and not to tell ‘em what you did – but to tell ‘em what you learned.

14. Most people avert their eyes from oncoming strangers when they get within 10 feet of each other. See how many of them you can get to acknowledge you in one week. Then try to double that number the next week.